Progressives Win Big In Ballot Measures NationwideAmanda Terkel - HuffPo
First Posted: 11/9/11 12:13 PM ET Updated: 11/9/11 12:24 PM ET
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WASHINGTON -- Tuesday's elections saw big wins for progressives around the country, who blocked right-wing measures on issues of voting, labor, immigrant and women's rights. "I think all around, heading into 2012, it's the strongest message we could possibly have that the other side has gone too far," said Justine Sarver, executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, of Tuesday's results. She added that it was one of the best elections in recent years for progressive wins on ballot measures, which have traditionally been dominated by conservatives.
The most high-profile fight was in Ohio, where labor unions sought to repeal SB 5, a measure that restricted collective bargaining rights for more than 360,000 public employees, among other provisions. Democrats, Republicans and independents joined together to deliver a "sharp rebuke" to Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), whose first term has been defined by his support for SB 5. More than 60 percent of Ohio voters rejected Issue 2, which would have kept SB 5 in place. A humbled Kasich held a press conference shortly after the fate of Issue 2 was sealed, saying it was time for him to take a "deep breath" and think about what to do next. "When I say it is a time to pause, it is right now, on this issue," he said. "The people have spoken clearly. You don't ignore the public."
In Mississippi, voters rejected a far-reaching "personhood" amendment that would have declared a fertilized egg a legal person under the state Constitution, making it illegal for women in the state to use birth control, among other impacts. The measure was so extreme that even strong pro-life advocates wavered in their support, with Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) saying he wasn't sure if he was going to back it.
Maine voters reinstated the right to register to vote on Election Day, a law that had been in place for four decades until Gov. Paul LePage (R) signed legislation requiring voters to register at least two business days before an election. More than 60 percent of voters rejected the GOP-backed measure, arguing it would serve to depress voter turnout and hamper democracy.
At a more local level, residents of Traverse City, Mich. voted overwhelmingly to keep in place a non-discrimination ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Opponents of the ordinance argued that it singled out LGBT individuals for special protections.
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/09/election-2011-ohio-issue-2-personhood-amendment_n_1083707.html:kick:
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